Chapter 213: Hitting it off
"So, after that, did you continue to challenge rock climbing without equipment?" Paul took the initiative to sit beside Renly, while Vin settled next to Andy.
The entire booth was semicircular, so Vin sat diagonally across from Renly. Neal took the last seat, choosing the spot to Paul's right. This put him directly across from Andy.
"After that, I didn't," Renly replied amiably, sensing the eager anticipation in Paul's eyes. Words weren't necessary; he knew Paul was awaiting the continuation. He understood this mentality; he, too, had wondered what those who summited Mount Everest had experienced and felt. "But three days after we met, I climbed without equipment again, and that time, I reached the peak smoothly."
The simplicity of words couldn't capture even a fraction of his emotions at the time. He could only transform vivid imagery into elegant phrases, allowing listeners to sketch the shivers of their souls from between the lines.
"God, I must summit to see it for myself!" Paul exclaimed in awe. Seeing the kind smile in Renly's eyes, he scratched his head. "Someone once asked me to describe what it's like to surf, but I realized that no matter how I described it, I couldn't convey the feeling of racing and soaring through the waves. Since then, I've known that you can truly feel the grandeur of nature only by experiencing it firsthand."
Renly chuckled softly, tilting his chin slightly. "The ocean always captivates people, doesn't it? I'm planning to go to Hawaii next week. Even though it's not the best season for surfing, it's enough for a beginner like me to challenge the small waves on the West Coast."
"Everyone knows about the massive tubes on the North Shore, but few realize that the waves on the West Coast are equally impressive," Paul said, and then he lightly thumped the table with regret on his face. "I need to focus on the movie's filming next, and I won't have time until November. If there are any delays in filming, it might even be December."
"That's truly unfortunate," Renly said, shaking his head with a hint of regret.
"Paul, you can wait until after the movie wraps and go with Renly," Andy naturally picked up the conversation, implying quite openly, "Renly's upcoming work schedule isn't very certain." In other words, the audition's outcome today would determine Renly's work status for the next while.
Neal smiled and said, "Can you two discuss something we can understand? Rock climbing and surfing aren't our expertise. What about you, Vin?"
"Oh, no, no," Vin shook his head repeatedly. "I'm more of a fitness type. Otherwise, we could discuss bicep topics?" As he spoke, his shoulder muscles tightened. Without any extra movements, his arms visibly bulked up, the contours of his biceps clearly defined. The pose exuded a toughness that subtly boasted of overflowing physical strength.
In the small booth, he looked like the Hulk.
Renly pursed his lips and nodded gently. "That's a tempting proposal. But I thought we needed to talk about acting topics. Pause, half a second, quiet, silence, stiffness, awkwardness, stagnation. Then, the smile at the corner of his mouth lifted warmly, melting the ice and snow. "Or should we start with ordering?" He raised his head, giving the waiter standing nearby a glance, and then he closed his mouth, and the waiter brought over the menu.
In upscale restaurants or those with a rich tradition, the waitstaff were well-trained. Their interpretation of guests' body language often happened in the blink of an eye. Of course, only those familiar with fine dining and experienced waitstaff could exhibit proper etiquette.
Neal took the menu from the waiter's hand, and he could see Vin's somewhat awkward expression out of the corner of his eye. Yet, Vin couldn't bring himself to break the facade. This was truly interesting. Earlier, Vin had clearly been demonstrating his power and dominance, his sense of superiority evident in every gesture. However, in just a few short sentences, Renly not only counterattacked but also managed to steer the atmosphere back on track.
"It seems you frequent such occasions," Neal found even more intriguing the finesse Renly exhibited in these minor details, never mind Renly's family background—that was too complex. However, Renly didn't display the naivety and youth of a twenty-year-old.
"With more performance, I naturally come to understand more," Renly explained, not exactly lying. He had indeed worked in Village Vanguard for a considerable time.
Neal's eyebrows raised, forming a cluster of wrinkles on his smooth forehead. His expression held a deep meaning, and it was uncertain whether he believed or disbelieved, or if some other emotion played across his features.
"Performance? Those unfamiliar might think we're having a symposium, discussing with Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro," Vin's voice was sarcastic, and he finally couldn't contain it. He raised his chin high and leaned back in the booth chair, a trace of mockery curving his lips.
"Ha, ha, quite the intellectual. Sounds just like a New Yorker," Vin glanced around, seeking agreement. He chuckled twice, seeming to joke but actually being sarcastic. Then, he leaned forward, supporting himself on the table, drawing himself closer to Renly's side. His bronze-like eyes stared unblinkingly at Renly. "We're not performing, we're investing our lives in filming. Every scene, every setting, every shot is fueled by adrenaline! This isn't a Broadway stage for sissies; this is the hell that tests real men!"
The atmosphere in the booth tensed up immediately. Neal was watching from the sidelines, perhaps even anticipating how things would unfold. Andy watched calmly, uncertain if this could be part of the audition. After all, the role Renly was auditioning for was one of a tough character. Moreover, based on Renly's previous encounters with Vin, it was clear Renly wasn't a pushover. But how would he handle someone with Vin's physical prowess?
Only Paul worriedly furrowed his brows. He knew Vin's temperament was impulsive, his words frank, but the meeting had just started and the atmosphere had already become tense. This wasn't a good sign. "Vin!" He reflexively called out, after all, Vin was his friend, and it was easier to advise him.
Vin shot Paul a defiant glare, refraining from responding but making his attitude crystal clear.
"I thought those were words reserved for stunt doubles," Renly spoke up. Compared to Vin's imposing actions and demeanor, Renly appeared at ease. The corners of his mouth still held a composed smile, his deep brown eyes concealing profound emotions.
Neal wasn't entirely sure if it was his imagination, but at this moment, there seemed to be a slight change in Renly's demeanor. Was this performance? Or was it Renly's true face? As Neal had no prior acquaintance with Renly, he lacked a baseline for judgment and couldn't draw conclusions. However, he could sense that Renly's gentlemanly aura was starting to reveal its edge. It wasn't the kind of aggressive aura Vin exuded; rather, it was a resilient and formidable force, as if skillfully orchestrating and controlling every situation.
This reminded Neal of Colonel Hans from "Inglourious Basterds". Wait a second, weren't they selecting an FBI agent now? Not a villain, but a representative of justice, right? He was starting to regret not sitting next to Vin, as he could've scrutinized Renly more clearly from there.
"Of course, stunt doubles are all remarkable. It's unimaginable how action films would fare without their efforts," Renly maintained his original posture, devoid of any unnecessary movements. Within his composure, there was a sense of tremendous power. Beneath Vin's overpowering aura, Renly remained unwavering. "However, I never expected the dynamics of a film set to be different. I've always believed that an actor's task is to perform, regardless of the type of production."
After a brief pause, Renly gazed at Vin intently, allowing the silence to surge, as if asking, "Do you have any opinions you'd like to express?"
Vin, however, felt a sense of suppressed frustration rise in his throat. Due to his appearance, he detested being told he wasn't an actor. Often, people assumed he came from a wrestling background, much like Dwayne Johnson. But he wasn't. He had been an actor from the very beginning. Even as an action actor, he was still an actor, a part of it all. Even though he was never acknowledged by academies and critics, he was still an actor. At least from Vin's perspective, he was a step above a mere decoration.
Looking at the nonchalant Renly before him, Vin just wanted to raise his hand and punch him hard, shattering that facade-like smile into pieces!
However, Renly averted his gaze, turning his head towards Paul beside him. "So, how do you all refer to yourselves on set? If you're not actors, are you... stars?"
Although dripping with sarcasm, Renly's words carried a hint of curiosity and a light-hearted tone, infusing the mockery with a kind of humor that was almost irresistible. The media often liked to label Hollywood actors as "stars", but no actor referred to themselves as such.
"Ha, ha," Paul burst into laughter, patting Renly's shoulder with force. "You're quite the witty one. If I'm not mistaken, you're British, right? The British sense of humor never ceases to amaze me."
Paul's hearty laughter instantly warmed up the atmosphere again. Neal and Andy also joined the laughter, and in the blink of an eye, the tense atmosphere evaporated.
Ironically, it was Vin, who had initiated the taunt, who was left on the sidelines, feeling neither up nor down, as uncomfortable as if he were sitting on pins and needles.
Observing the carefree Renly before him, Vin gritted his teeth in secret. He didn't like this guy. He knew the other hadn't offended him; it was all just the humor of a social gathering. Yet, he just didn't like him. That insincere smile turned his stomach, and he just wanted to slam his fist down hard...
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Shallowman
Shallowman Ah shit, here we go again...
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